Nepal’s first female chief justice sworn in as interim prime minister

KATHMANDU, Sept 12 (RSS) – Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel late Thursday swore in former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, tasking her with holding elections within six months after weeks of unrest led by Gen Z protesters.

The swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace was attended by the vice president, the chief justice, top government officials, security chiefs and foreign diplomats.

Paudel said Karki’s appointment was made in consultation with political parties to address the demands of a youth-led movement that had shaken the country and forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

Gen Z activists had staged mass demonstrations calling for good governance, youth leadership and the restoration of social media platforms. The protests turned violent, leaving heavy casualties and damage.

The army stepped in to restore order and pushed rival groups toward dialogue, paving the way for an interim administration.

Karki, 71, was Nepal’s first female chief justice and now becomes its first woman prime minister. She is expected to form a small cabinet to oversee day-to-day governance and prepare for fresh polls.

Her administration has pledged to deliver free and fair elections and hand over power to an elected government.